ANSWER:
It’s important to understand that the New Testament was primarily written in Greek. So, when we read certain words in other languages—such as Kiswahili—they may appear to have a single meaning, but in the original Greek, they often carry more than one meaning.
For example, when we come across the word “Word” in Kiswahili translations of the Bible, it is generally rendered as “Neno,” meaning “the Word of God.”
However, in the original Greek, there are two distinct words used: “Logos” and “Rhema.”
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Logos refers to the eternal Word of God, the written Word, the mind or plan of God. It also represents Jesus Christ Himself, who is the Word made flesh.
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Rhema, on the other hand, means the spoken Word of God—a word for a specific time or situation, not necessarily eternal.
Examples of verses where “Word” is translated as Logos include:
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John 1:1-18
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James 1:22
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Hebrews 4:12
Examples where “Word” refers to Rhema include:
Matthew 4:3-4:
[3] The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Here, when Jesus says, “every word that comes from the mouth of God,” He is referring to Rhema—a specific word spoken by God for that moment.
Another example is when Elijah told the widow:
“This is what the Lord says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry…’” (1 Kings 17:14)
This was not a general promise for everyone at all times—it was a specific word (Rhema) revealed for that moment.
Another example:
Luke 5:5:
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so (at your word), I will let down the nets.”
Peter believed the spoken Word (Rhema) from Jesus—and acted on it.
To help you grasp it better:
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“Logos” = The Holy Scriptures (the Bible)
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“Rhema” = A revealed Word for a specific time or situation
DOES GOD STILL SPEAK TO US THROUGH RHEMA TODAY?
Yes! God has already given us His main channel of communication—the Bible (Logos). But He still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit using various gifts: prophecy, teaching, wisdom, visions, dreams, etc.
However, any revealed Word (Rhema) must not contradict the written Word (Logos). The two should work together to reveal God more fully in our lives, because He is alive and active.
A WARNING:
In these last days, many people are turning Rhema into Logos. For instance, they copy what Jesus did—spitting on the ground and making mud to heal someone—or what Paul did by healing with handkerchiefs. But they don’t understand those were Rhema—specific instructions for specific times, not universal commands.
Such actions can become idolatrous. For example, in the Old Testament, when the Israelites were in the wilderness, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent for healing (Numbers 21). But later, people turned that bronze serpent into an object of worship, and it led them into bondage (2 Kings 18:4).
Our permanent instruction is this: The name of Jesus is our ultimate authority—that is our Logos. Unless God gives you a specific revelation (Rhema) to use something else, don’t copy blindly, because God may not be behind it.
Depend more on the Bible.
God bless you.
